21 SETAs

Every SETA in South Africa, by sector.

Sector Education and Training Authorities run SA's learnerships, apprenticeships and bursaries. Find the SETA aligned to your industry to earn while you learn.

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NavyBlue Editorial Team
Higher Education Content
Published Verified against DHET SETAlinks register (2026)

How many SETAs are there in South Africa?

South Africa has 21 SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities). Each covers a specific economic sector and is responsible for skills development, learnerships, apprenticeships and bursaries within that sector. SETAs are overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and funded by the Skills Development Levy (1% of payroll paid by employers).

What a learnership actually looks like

A SETA learnership is a 12-month contract that mixes classroom theory with real workplace time at an employer inside the sector. It leads to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework, usually at NQF Level 2 to 5.

Stipends vary by SETA and sector. Entry-level learnerships typically pay R3 500 to R6 500 per month. Artisan apprenticeships (MERSETA, CETA, EWSETA) pay more, often R5 000 to R9 000 per month. Graduate internships through BANKSETA or FASSET can reach R8 000 to R12 000 monthly.

A typical week splits roughly 70% workplace and 30% classroom. You clock in at the employer most days and attend training at an accredited provider one or two days a week, or in blocked weeks. Tax on stipends up to a threshold is zero because learnerships qualify for the SARS Section 12H tax allowance.

At the end of the contract, you walk out with a registered qualification, real work experience on your CV, and a reference. Employers are not required to keep you on, but many do for learners who perform well, especially in scarce-skill roles.

All 21 SETAs

Click through to the official site of the SETA aligned to your career to find live learnerships, apprenticeships and bursaries.

AcronymFull nameSectorApply
AGRISETAAgricultural Sector Education and Training AuthorityAgriculture, forestry, fisheriesVisit
BANKSETABanking Sector Education and Training AuthorityBanking and financial servicesVisit
CATHSSETACulture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport SETATourism, hospitality, sport, conservation, gaming, arts, cultureVisit
CETAConstruction Education and Training AuthorityConstruction, built environmentVisit
CHIETAChemical Industries Education and Training AuthorityChemical industries (petroleum, pharmaceuticals, plastics)Visit
ETDP SETAEducation, Training and Development Practices SETAEducation, training and developmentVisit
EWSETAEnergy and Water SETAEnergy, water, gas, nuclear, renewable energyVisit
FASSETFinance and Accounting Services SETAFinance, accounting, auditing, business servicesVisit
FOODBEV SETAFood and Beverage Manufacturing SETAFood and beverage manufacturingVisit
FP&M SETAFibre Processing and Manufacturing SETAForestry, paper, pulp, printing, clothing, textiles, leatherVisit
HWSETAHealth and Welfare Sector Education and Training AuthorityHealth, social development, veterinary, pharmaceuticalsVisit
INSETAInsurance Sector Education and Training AuthorityInsurance, risk managementVisit
LGSETALocal Government Sector Education and Training AuthorityLocal government and municipalitiesVisit
MERSETAManufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETAAutomotive, metal, engineering, plastics, motor retail, new tyre, manufacturingVisit
MICT SETAMedia, Information and Communication Technologies SETAICT, electronics, telecommunications, advertising, film, broadcastingVisit
MQAMining Qualifications AuthorityMining and mineralsVisit
PSETAPublic Service Sector Education and Training AuthorityNational and provincial government, public administrationVisit
SASSETASafety and Security Sector Education and Training AuthorityPolicing, corrections, defence, justice, legal, private securityVisit
SERVICES SETAServices Sector Education and Training AuthorityPersonal services, business services, real estate, marketing, communication, project management, hairdressing, funeral servicesVisit
TETATransport Education and Training AuthorityTransport (road freight, road passenger, rail, maritime, aviation, taxi, forwarding and clearing)Visit
W&RSETAWholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training AuthorityWholesale, retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)Visit

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